RETIRED police officers may soon be able to return to work for Durham Constabulary.

The force is looking at the possibility of introducing the 30-plus scheme, which has already been piloted in a number of forces around the country.

Managers could retain officers entitled to retire after 30 years, with maximum pension benefits.

The scheme would ease recruitment shortfalls and retain much needed skills and experience in the service.

Resourcing inspector Andy McConnell said the scheme would mainly involve PCs and sergeants, who would have to apply for selection.

"Officers would retire and, therefore, be able to take a tax-free retirement sum and be re-engaged at former rank and pay level.

"Pension abatement would be lifted to allow for payment of sufficient pension to restore the pre-retirement earnings level, including any replacement allowances lost on retirement."

Officers returning to the force would have access to special priority payments of up to £5,000 on the same basis as other officers.

They would not be able to re-join the pension scheme, but could take out a personal pension."

"The 30-plus scheme will not be suitable for all officers," said Insp McConnell. "It is aimed at those who have retired or are about to retire with maximum benefits under the police pension scheme and who have no specific interest in, or prospect of, further promotion.

"We are expecting a retirement bulge to hit the force next year when a group of officers recruited in the mid-70s reaches retirement age.

"While we will continue with recruitment, the introduction of the scheme would help ease the situation and retain the expertise of current serving officers.

"We need to gauge interest in the scheme before a working party is assigned to give it further consideration," he added.

Steve Smith, chairman of Durham Police Federation, said the scheme did not offer sufficient incentives to encourage officers to be retained.

He added: "They would receive their lump sum commutation, but would actually only be working for half salary in real terms when they re-join the service."

Durham officers should be entitled to apply and join the scheme providing they are fully competent, committed and in satisfactory health.

The scheme has been negotiated nationally with the Home Office, and came into force on April 1.

"It is a simple, non-bureaucratic scheme that can be operated immediately," said Mr Smith.

"There is no need to gauge the level of interest or form a working party.

"The scheme is there and should be offered to officers for them to decide whether they wish to apply.